Ngara, TZ – PAAP program built desks with community collaboration at Mukirehe Primary School – Mar 2025

SODAT, in collaboration with Mukirehe Primary School, parents of the students, and artists of Art Gallery for Better Lives, Seal Beach, California put their thoughts and contributions together to solve the bad desk shortage at the primary school.

In response to the challenge of the 80 desks shortage for 260 students, SODAT and its partners have committed to repairing five dilapidated desks and creating twenty-five new ones, easing the burden on teachers’ teaching and student’s learning in the classrooms.

This initiative brought a positive impact to the school, starting to solve the issue of students sharing limited desks and sitting on the floor is reducing the wear and tear on school uniforms and notebooks, and so lessening the financial burden on parents who previously had to spend money on soap, water, and replacement notebooks. Mostly, it has improved the students’ classroom experience, contributing to increased attendance and better academic performance.

The Parents Assistance Award Program (PAAP) is growing the power of community collaboration. SODAT and Art Gallery for Better Lives funded the desks materials, while the parents generously contributed their time, energy, and skills to build the desks. This partnership is part of a larger effort to engage parents in taking small, sustainable actions to improve the educational environment, and create better opportunities for students to thrive and succeed in life.

The school, and the entire MKB village community extend their heartfelt gratitude to SODAT and the artists for their generous donation and dedication to supporting education. This partnership has brought joy to both students and teachers, fostering a sense of pride and unity in the school community, and reinforcing the importance of self-reliance and love for education.